George Throssell

George Throssell (1840-1910) was a Premier of Western Australia. He was born in Ireland and came to Western Australia in 1850 as his father was a supervisor of convict labour. He began his own business as a produce merchant in the town of Northam in 1861 and served as the Northam postmaster 1864-74.

He became owner of a flour mill, farms and a chain of shops and was active in the Northam community serving as Mayor for several terms. George Throssell was the 'first citizen' of Northam when he became the first member for the Northam seat in 1890. In 1897 he joined Sir John Forrest's government as Minister for Lands, a key responsibility in a rapidly developing colony. When Forrest resigned to leave state politics in February 1901 Throssell took over as Premier prior to an election in April. Although there were no organised political parties (apart from 6 newly elected Labor members) it was clear that the 'Ministerialists' or the former Forrest supporters did not have a majority of seats. In May 1901 Throssell resigned as Premier and as the leader of his group. He did not contest the 1904 election but returned to Parliament in 1907 as a member for the Legislative Council province that included Northam, serving until his death. He was awarded the CMG in 1901.